Sense of Community Defines New Blissed Out Yoga and Thai Bodywork Studio in Downtown Elmhurst, IL

"Yoga is for everyone" is the mantra of Stacy DiGregorio, owner of Blissed Out, Elmhurst's newest yoga studio. Located in the funky, circa 1960s 381 N. York St. building, Blissed Out opened in August, and welcomes students of all levels to its sunny, light-filled studio.

Online PR News – 09-October-2012 – Elmhurst, Illinois – "Yoga is for everyone" is the mantra of Stacy DiGregorio, owner of Blissed Out (www.blissedoutyoga.net), a yoga and Thai bodywork studio. DiGregorio opened the sunny studio, located on the upper level of downtown Elmhurst’s funky, circa 1960s 381 N. York Street building, in late August. It has already become the go to place for established and aspiring yoga devotees who seek a relaxed practice in a community-oriented yoga studio, under the tutelage of some of the West Suburb’s most accomplished teachers.

DiGregorio’s mission is to create a stress-free, welcoming space where people of all abilities and aspirations can begin, keep up or expand their yoga practice. “I really want to welcome those who are new to practicing yoga,” said DiGregorio. “I feel strongly that yoga is for everyone, no matter what your physical ability. I also know how it is when you're new, and you go into a studio and feel like an idiot because you don't know what you’re doing. I want to take that stress away from people!”

DiGregorio is also intent on creating a sense of community in her charming local yoga studio. Her teachers are knowledgeable and friendly and she has added small touches like complimentary green tea so students will have a reason to linger after class.

“Yoga is for everyone, no matter your physical abilities. At Blissed Out, we welcome students of all ages and levels of experience.”

With a menu that covers traditional styles of yoga plus Thai bodywork, the Elmhurst yoga studio also offers trendier options, including Acro-Yoga, a partner-focused practice that cultivates strength and flexibility using acrobatic techniques. “Two young women who are circus school graduates teach the class,” commented DiGregorio. “It’s really fun and a perfect way to add variety to an established routine.”

Blissed Out caters to moms and moms-to-be too, with a variety of prenatal and “Mommy & Me” class options, the latter of which cover mom and baby yoga and mom and toddler yoga. And if students are in need of yoga accessories or organic body care, Blissed Out is proud to carry Shanti Designs yoga mats and Buddha Nose scented salves, sprays and lip balms.

Wood floors and artisan touches define the Blissed Out space and include a mural created by local artist Robyn Kurdas and entryway benches handcrafted by DiGregorio’s husband. In fact, it’s hard to believe Blissed Out started out all cement floors and 1960s-era fluorescent lighting. “It really was an unattractive space,” laughed DiGregorio. “But fortunately the bones were there. The studio has many windows that offer generous natural light. And it overlooks a canopy of trees so it feels like you’re doing practice in a tree house.”

Going from grunge to gorgeous wasn’t easy. DiGregorio gives credit to her husband, friends and other business owners in the complex who helped with the transition saying, "I can't thank them enough for their generosity.”

DiGregorio loves being part of the burgeoning independent business scene in Elmhurst. "This is a community that likes to support local," said DiGregorio. "And I enjoy that the 381 N. York Street building has been a magnet for other women owned businesses."

For now, DiGregorio is happy getting to know the community. "I get a little thrill every time a new person walks in the door," she says. But that doesn’t mean she can't dream that maybe, just maybe, Blissed Out will one day be big enough to take over the vacant space next door.

To learn more about Blissed Out and view the class schedule visit the company’s website at http://www.blissedoutyoga.net. Follow Blissed Out on Facebook and Twitter for class updates and the latest news.

ABOUT BLISSED OUT
Blissed Out (http://www.blissedoutyoga.net) is a yoga and Thai bodywork studio located in downtown Elmhurst, Illinois. Blissed Out welcomes yoga fanatics and newcomers alike with a range of yoga classes and workshops that include Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, "Mommy & Me", acro-yoga and more.